Indians place Murphy, Swisher on 15-day DL

NEW YORK -- In the wake of losing a pair of veteran regulars to injury, Cleveland is counting on a spark from a couple of kids.

Prior to Sunday's game against the Yankees, the Indians placed outfielder David Murphy (right abdominal strain) and designated hitter Nick Swisher (right knee soreness) on the 15-day disabled list. Versatile infield prospect Zach Walters and outfielder Tyler Holt were called up from Triple-A Columbus to assume the vacated spots on the roster.

"You can look at it a couple ways," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "One, you can feel sorry for yourself that guys got hurt. Or you can look at younger guys, different guys, have a chance to shine. I think that's how we view it. This doesn't mean you can't win. We just might have to do it in a little different way."

Murphy and Swisher both exited Saturday's 3-0 victory over New York with their respective health issues. Murphy injured his side on a swing in his final at-bat in the fifth inning, and Swisher aggravated a knee problem that has been bothersome for the veteran for much of this season.

Murphy, who has hit .262 with seven home runs and 55 RBIs in 109 games this season, is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his side on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. Swisher (batting .208 with a .278 on-base percentage in 97 games) is also expected to have an MRI on his ailing right knee this week.

Francona did not believe Swisher's injury would be of the season-ending variety.

"I don't think so," Francona said. "I think it's going to be something he's going to have to manage. And, when he feels good, he's going to have to continue to manage it. As you start to get, whether it's arthritic changes or with some wear and tear, he's going to have to take care of it. He's never had to deal with that before."

With the promotion of Walters, the Indians will be getting their first look at the recent trade acquisition at the big league level. Prior to the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, Cleveland plucked Walters from Washington's farm system in exchange for shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.

The 24-year-old Walters -- given the nod as the starting left fielder on Sunday -- has posted a .310/.361/.619 slash line with 17 home runs, 44 extra-base hits and 56 RBIs in 67 games between Triple-A Syracuse (Nationals) and Columbus this year. In seven games in Cleveland's system, Walters hit .387 with two homers, four doubles and eight RBIs.

Walters (most experienced as a middle infielder) hit .234 with a .797 OPS in 40 Major League games with Washington.

This will mark the third stint with the Tribe this season for Holt, who has just one at-bat in two games with Cleveland. In the Minors this year, the 25-year-old outfielder has turned in a .306/.419/.384 line with two homers, 22 extra-base hits, 29 RBIs, 31 stolen bases, 66 walks and 73 runs scored in 97 games between Double-A Akron and Columbus.